Love is in the air and what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than a visit to Chez Christophe.

Located in the Burnaby Heights, this patisserie is run by the husband-and-wife team of Christophe and Jess Bonzon. Chef Christophe studied under some of Europe’s grand masters at Zurich’s Chocolate Academy, and at l’Ecole du Grand Chocolat Valrhona in France. His resume includes Vancouver’s award-winning restaurant CinCin. 

Chef loves creating chocolate works of art and centre pieces. The chocolate wonderland that is his store is filled with truffles, chocolates, french pastries and croissants. It’s almost impossible to pick just one item to try, everything looks so mouth-watering.

The base of his creations is Carma – a special chocolate imported from Switzerland and not available anywhere else in Canada.

We were invited by Chef to sample his new offering: The Mont Blanc – a French chestnut dessert with a vanilla chantilly and meringue. This seasonal treat is available for a limited time only, so make sure to get a taste before they’re all gone.

Aside from decadent pastries, Chef makes the most delicious pain au chocolate and croissants I’ve ever tasted! His hazelnut pain au chocolate is buttery and crispy with a gooey chocolate and hazelnut cream centre. (I’m drooling as I write this). His twice-baked maple croissant is baked, then sliced in half, filled with pecan maple syrup, and baked again.

Chez Christophe won the 2013 gold medal at the International Chocolate awards for his Mango truffle: mango ganache slightly caramelized with a hint of pink pepper using 38% swiss milk chocolate. If this doesn’t guarantee you a great Valentine’s day, nothing will.  His selection of chocolates is extensive as it is delicious.

Chez Christophe also offers espresso drinks and teas. Check them out next time you’re visiting the Burnaby Heights.

Follow them on Twitter: @Chez_Christophe